April Cheese of the Month: Somerdale Wensleydale with Lemon & Honey

Every month at Charqute, we hand-pick one cheese that we genuinely can't stop thinking about and give it the spotlight it deserves. For April, we're going bright, fresh, and a little bit indulgent with Somerdale Wensleydale with Lemon and Honey. If you've been looking for the perfect dessert cheese for your next charcuterie board, this is it.

What Is Wensleydale Cheese?

Wensleydale is one of England's most iconic and beloved cheeses, originating from the Wensleydale valley in North Yorkshire. It has been produced there since the 12th century, when Cistercian monks first introduced the recipe from France. Over time, cow's milk replaced the original sheep's milk, and the crumbly, moist cheese we know today was born.

Authentic Yorkshire Wensleydale holds Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, which means only cheese made in the Wensleydale region can carry that name. The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, founded in 1897, remains the most celebrated producer and the heartbeat of this tradition.

What makes Wensleydale so special on a charcuterie board is its natural mild acidity. It's clean, bright, and light on the palate in a way that heavier aged cheeses simply aren't. That gentle tang is also exactly what makes it such a brilliant canvas for creative flavor additions like the one Somerdale has perfected.

Meet the April Cheese: Somerdale Wensleydale with Lemon and Honey

Somerdale International is one of the UK's most respected specialty cheese producers, known for taking classic British cheeses and elevating them with thoughtful, high-quality flavor combinations. Their Wensleydale with Lemon and Honey is one of their most celebrated creations, and once you try it you'll understand why.

They take the natural acidity of authentic English Wensleydale and soothe it with lemon curd and honey, and the result is genuinely surprising. The sharpness softens, the sweetness comes forward, and the whole thing comes together in a flavor combination that honestly tastes like cheesecake. A light, delicate, creamy cheesecake. Not heavy or cloying, just that perfect balance of citrus brightness and warm honey sweetness grounded by the Wensleydale underneath.

This is what the cheese world calls a true dessert cheese, and it earns that title completely. It's refreshing, elegant, and unlike anything else you'll find on a board. It's also a beautiful contrast to heavier, more savory cheeses if you're building out a full spread.

How to Build a Charcuterie Board Around Wensleydale with Lemon and Honey

Because of its sweeter, citrus-forward profile, you want to lean into that when you build your charcuterie board. Here's how we do it at Charqute:

Fresh fruits work beautifully alongside it. Think strawberries, raspberries, green grapes, or even thin slices of fig. The lemon in the cheese makes any fruit pairing feel effortless and natural. A little extra honey or a piece of honeycomb on the board doubles down on the warmth in the best possible way.

For crackers and bread, keep it simple. A buttery water cracker or a shortbread biscuit lets the cheese shine without competing with it. You want neutral here so the lemon and honey can do their thing.

For a drink pairing, reach for a Prosecco or a light off-dry Riesling. The effervescence cuts through the creaminess, and the natural sweetness in both the wine and the cheese play really nicely off each other. If you prefer non-alcoholic, a sparkling elderflower drink is a surprisingly perfect match.

On the board itself, crumble it rather than slice it. The texture is open and moist so it breaks apart naturally, and that crumbled presentation is part of what makes it so inviting and visually beautiful. A small drizzle of honey right before serving is optional but very much recommended.

Why We Picked It for April

Spring feels like the right moment for a cheese like this. After months of leaning into richer, more robust flavors, there is something really satisfying about a cheese that feels light, fresh, and a little celebratory. Somerdale Wensleydale with Lemon and Honey fits that energy perfectly.

It's approachable enough for guests who don't consider themselves cheese people, and interesting enough to genuinely excite the enthusiasts in the room. It's the kind of thing you put on a board and watch disappear first.

Whether you're hosting a spring dinner party, building a grazing table for an event, or just treating yourself to a great cheese night at home, this one belongs on your board this month.

It's bright. It's a little unexpected. And it absolutely tastes like cheesecake. 🍋🍯

Find Somerdale Wensleydale with Lemon and Honey and build your perfect spring charcuterie board at charqute.com.